Many of our readers are not only avid crappie anglers but also hail from the Midwest or northern states where walleye fishing is popular. You might assume that because walleye are a cold-water species, you can’t catch them in Arizona—but you’d be mistaken. Just a couple of hours north of Phoenix, Lake Mary offers opportunities to catch both walleye and northern pike. Or, head a few hours northeast to Show Low, where Fool Hollow Lake and Show Low Lake provide solid chances at landing a walleye. In fact, the current Arizona state record (16 lbs 1.76 oz, 31″) was set at Show Low Lake in 2002. Farther east, Lyman Reservoir is also known for good walleye fishing.

If you plan to visit any of these lakes, be sure to review the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s consumption advisories, as some waters have elevated mercury levels.

For over a decade, members of the Arizona Crappie Association have made an annual trip to Lake Powell in late April or early May. The journey typically begins in Phoenix on a Saturday, followed by an 8-hour scenic drive through Monument Valley—yes, the iconic route from Forrest Gump—and along the winding Moki Dugway (watch it here). Members usually stay at either Halls Crossing or Bullfrog Marina, lodging in resort accommodations or campgrounds.

Each morning, anglers prep their gear and bait—often using bottom bouncers, Lindy rigs, harness rigs, or jigs tipped with nightcrawlers—then head out in search of walleye. Lake Powell is teeming with both walleye and striped bass, and because of their abundance, there are no catch limits on either species. Anglers are encouraged to harvest as many as they can.

After a full day on the water, the group gathers to clean their catch, pack it for the freezer, and enjoy a community meal together. The event lasts all week, with everyone heading home the following Saturday.